Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) announced today it awarded grants to 18 local nonprofit organizations in its annual grant round to support key community programs. The Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, awarded a total of $28,150.

The largest grant of $5,000 will allow the Alexandria Dollars for Scholars to expand its scholarship program for graduating students from Jefferson Senior High School. Their hope is to award a scholarship to every student that applies. Last year 167 students applied for scholarships and 140 of those received scholarships.

The recipients are:

Alexandria Area Arts Association, for microphones, $800
Alexandria Area Hockey Association, for the Youth Outdoor Skating Rink, $500
Alexandria Area Uncompensated Care Plan, for general operations, $1,000
Alexandria Area YMCA, to support the “Strong Kids Campaign,” $2,500
Alexandria Dollars for Scholars, for scholarships, $5,000
Birthright of Alexandria, for “My Friend’s Closet: A Project of Birthright of Alexandria,” $2,000
Blue Star Mothers of America, Alexandria Chapter 2, to Support our Troops Overseas, $1,000
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, for the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, $1,000
Central MN Elder Network of Alexandria, for Enhanced Volunteer Training, $1,600
Douglas County Historical Society, for the “Community Heritage Garden,” $1,000
Douglas County Library, for the Bill and Helena Gleeson Book Fund, $250
Ecumen dba. Bethany Community of Alexandria, for the “Awakenings” program, $1,500
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County, for “ReStore,” $2,000
Lutheran Social Service of MN, for psychological testing and screening instruments for services to the Alexandria population, $1,000
Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, for the Maritime Gardens, $2,000
School District 206, to support Community Education’s “Community Engagement Initiative,” $1,500
United Communities Advocating Non-Violence, to support October Domestic Abuse Events, $1,000
Windmill Project, for family directed services, $1,000
Wings Family Supportive Services, for the “PLUS Kids & Transitional Housing Programs,” $1,500

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1992, AACF has helped fund activities that improve the quality of life in the Alexandria Area, and the Foundation provides a variety of services to donors, their professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. AACF is affiliated with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, which administers more than 500 funds totaling more than $65 million. Learn more at AlexandriaFoundation.org.

NEWS RELEASE

Community Foundation Awards Grants to 19 Local Nonprofits

Alexandria Dollars for Scholars Receives $5,000 to Award Scholarships